Auckland police say Eagle helicopter’s terrifying near miss with drone 'could have been catastrophic'

January 1, 2019

The pilot’s evasive manoeuvres “potentially saved lives”, Inspector Jim Wilson told media today.

A pilot and two officers flying in Auckland's Police Eagle helicopter had to be suspended in the early hours of this morning due to a "fairly traumatic" - and potentailly fatal - near miss with a drone.

Police say shortly after midnight on 1 January, while flying over spaghetti junction at just under 1400 feet, the pilot spotted a drone flying in extremely close proximity to the Eagle helicopter– within 5 to 10 metres – and as a result the pilot took immediate evasive action to avoid a "serious collision".

They say that at the same time there were thought to be two other unauthorised drones in the immediate vicinity.

“It could have absolutely been a fatal collision," Inspector Jim Wilson, Acting District Commander Auckland City, told media this afternoon. “I’m of the firm belief that [the pilot] potentially saved lives.

"If he hadn’t of taken that evasive action, who knows … It could have been catastrophic.”

Police say they will work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority over the incident.

The Eagle helicopter is now fully operational as normal.

"It's immensely frustrating," Mr Wilson said. “The actions of these people were dangerous, totally irresponsible, and police will be investigating thoroughly."

SHARE ME